I had no other choice but to accept everything they said, even though confusion still lingered in the back of my mind. Elara was my guide for the day, and she appeared genuinely excited about our trip outside the palace walls. She referred to me by the nickname Lady Ara which I found rather cute , and I reciprocated with a smile regardless . However, Dairon was noticeably absent, and I began to wonder where he was.
"He's waiting for us at the palace gates," Elara explained as we navigated the winding halls and corridors of the palace, eventually reaching a discreet back door that would lead us outside.
"Oh," I said, taking in the information. Elara laughed at my reaction and took my hand, leading me onward. I couldn't help but wonder why Dairon chose to blend in with the townsfolk when he left the palace.
"He won't be recognized. Dairon dresses in a way that makes him inconspicuous when he's out in the city. No one would think he's of noble blood," Elara replied.
"That means he leaves the palace regularly?" I queried, and she nodded.
"But what about Livian? Dairon mentioned that they're brothers, but they seem like complete strangers ."
Elara paused for a moment, then offered an explanation. "Prince Livian rarely leaves the palace. He's mostly engrossed in matters of the court and palace administration. He rarely ventures out unless it's for significant occasions or essential work."
She referred to Livian as a prince, not Dairon. The distinction raised more questions in my mind. They were brothers; shouldn't they both have the same title? I was eager to ask more questions, but I could tell that Elara didn't have all the answers, and even if she did, she might be hesitant to divulge everything.
Finally, we reached the palace gates, where Dairon was waiting, waving at us with a friendly smile. Elara smiled back as we approached.
Once we stepped outside the palace walls, the view of the city spread out before me was breathtaking. I could only imagine how enchanting it would be to see the city at night. The streets were abuzz with people engaged in various activities.
Elara and Dairon continued to enlighten me about their kingdom and their experiences growing up. It was surprising to learn that Dairon was a prince, yet he had a deep knowledge of the outside world.
"We have different clans here: maidens, pixies, healers, witches, and many more," Dairon explained as he pointed to the various quarters of the city.
I nodded as he spoke, trying to absorb as much information as possible. The city was full of essential places, and Dairon made sure to point them out.
"So, how do they determine what they are?" I asked, curious about their processes.
"Well, that's an excellent question," Elara replied. "Everyone learns a few core subjects and goes through testing. The results of those tests determine their abilities, and they can then delve into specific areas of training and knowledge."
Intrigued, I continued to inquire. "So, do you attend classes?"
Elara explained, "Yes, they do. Although it's not quite like a conventional school. It's mostly Prince Livian, Prince Dairon and the children of the royal court . Occasionally, Livian might join, but he rarely attends. Now, you'll be part of it too."
The idea of attending classes was unsettling. They couldn't seriously expect me to do that, could they? Despite all the stories I'd heard and the things I'd seen, I couldn't accept that I belonged with them. I wasn't one of them; I was entirely human.
But Dairon made it clear that I had little choice in the matter. Lord Kin had made arrangements for me, and my refusal to attend wouldn't be taken lightly by him.
We arrived at a quaint restaurant in the heart of the city, but my mind was preoccupied with questions and uncertainty. The world around me was unlike anything I'd ever known, and I had to navigate it while coming to terms with my new reality.
The city was a vibrant and bustling place, with diverse modes of transportation from horse-drawn carriages to walking paths, and it was an overwhelming experience. I struggled to process the revelations about their society and the looming commitment to attend classes.
As we stepped into the quaint restaurant, I was immediately captivated by its charm. The establishment had an inviting, rustic ambiance that felt both cozy and welcoming. A sense of nostalgia washed over me as I observed the decor and the layout.
The wooden tables and chairs were well-worn and gave the place a comfortable, lived-in feeling. Dim, warm lighting created an intimate atmosphere that contrasted the grandeur of the palace. A gentle hum of chatter and laughter filled the air, making it evident that this was a local favorite, known for its delectable cuisine and friendly ambiance.
The walls were adorned with various paintings and tapestries depicting scenes from their world, adding to the restaurant's enchanting appeal. I couldn't help but admire the attention to detail in the architecture and design of the space, from the intricately carved wooden beams to the elegant sconces on the walls.
The aroma in the restaurant was nothing short of delightful. It was a symphony of scents – the rich, savory aroma of freshly cooked meals, the sweet wafts of baked goods, and the earthy fragrance of brewing herbal teas. The mingling fragrances hung in the air like a promise of a culinary adventure.
People were seated at the tables, enjoying their meals and animated conversations.
We settled into a cozy corner of the restaurant, a table adorned with a checkered tablecloth and a flickering candle, which added to the romantic charm of the place. I slid into my seat across from Dairon, my curiosity piqued by the menu that he handed me.
Dairon, ever the gentleman, signaled to the attentive waiter, who swiftly approached us. The waiter's attire, like the rest of the restaurant, carried a timeless quality, featuring a white, crisp shirt and a neatly tied apron.
"Good evening, sirs. How may I assist you today?" The waiter greeted us with a friendly smile that seemed genuine and warm.
Dairon scanned the menu briefly, and I followed his lead, quickly selecting an item that caught my attention. "We'll start with the roasted chicken with garlic and herbs, and two cups of the house's specialty herbal tea, please," Dairon ordered with a nod.
The waiter took our orders gracefully and retreated with a courteous bow. While we waited for our meals, I couldn't help but observe the other patrons in the restaurant. There was a sense of camaraderie among the locals and palace residents dining side by side, united by the simple joy of good food and companionship.
My own anticipation grew as the delightful scents of various dishes being served to nearby tables wafted through the air. The atmosphere was alive with cheerful conversation, laughter, and the soft strumming of a musician in one corner, adding to the restaurant's charming allure.
Dairon and I continued our conversation as we waited for our meal to arrive. He shared stories of his childhood, his family, and his experiences outside the palace, giving me insights into the world I now found myself in. Despite the peculiarities of Valmore, I couldn't deny the allure of this place, and my growing curiosity was beginning to outweigh my initial discomfort.
When our dishes arrived, they looked and smelled heavenly. The roasted chicken glistened with herbs and garlic, and the cups of herbal tea steamed invitingly. We dug into the meal with enthusiasm, savoring each bite as we shared this delightful experience.
As we finished our dinner, Dairon called the waiter over and settled the bill with a nod of thanks.